Paris in October. A city of romance, life and also racing. It’s time once again for the Arc de Triomphe which will keep jumps fans entertained until the National Hunt season gets underway, when you’ll be able to take advantage of Cheltenham free bets.

But back to the big race this weekend which takes place at the new Paris-Longchamp. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Last year’s extraordinary winner Enable returns to defend her crown after a truncated season which saw her miss racing until September, when on her return to the track she trashed Crystal Ocean at Kempton. Assuming no bounce, she is a rightful favourite even if she’s quite short in the betting now.

Sea Of Class has very much followed in the footsteps of Enable, taking the season by storm with a late turn of foot to win the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks. William Haggas’ filly has benefited hugely from a dry year and dry Autumn allows her to take her chance here and of course, she benefits from numerous allowances as a three year old. These 2 give Britain a strong hand in proceedings with Waldgeist the leading French contender.

Waldgeist dismissed a strong field in the Prix Foy on the bridle, with Talismanic (former Breeders’ Cup winner) and last year’s second Cloth Of Stars well beaten. That is incredibly strong form at face value, and he has a serious each/way chance at 7/1 for Arc expert Andre Fabre.

Aidan O’Brien has resumed normal service – sweeping all before him in previous weeks – and his team are all worth attention. Kew Gardens’ Leger win was a career best, with his defeat of the extremely exciting Lah Ti Dar earning him a spot and a much boosted reputation. More patient tactics have reaped huge befits for him but stablemate Capri maybe more interesting. The form of his Irish Derby and St Leger wins from last year are outstanding and whilst he was nowhere in the Prix Foy, that run should have brought him on a great deal. Donnacha O’Brien, on a hot streak of late, and has quickly reached the level that his brother Joseph did when riding, and he currently rides full of confidence.

Stablemate Magical could enjoy this step up in trip but perhaps we’ve seen her limit and Study Of Man was a disappointment in the Irish Champion Stakes, a result which suggests he’s not much better than his Prix Du Jockey Club win. Defoe’s latest second at Baden-Baden was his third blank in Group 1 company and this could be too tough for him.

At fair each-way value I’m going to plump for Waldgeist to win the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for the home team.

John Gosden’s incredible campaign has encompassed all types of races and he could have another chance of taking a major handicap in the shape of Ben Vrackie in the Mallard Handicap, who was beaten by St Leger contender Maid Up last time at Goodwood. There is no shame in that defeat given that Maid Up had previously won the Lille Langtry, which produced the first and third in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster Yesterday

He had previous beaten a previous winner by 11 lengths in a novice stakes at Lingfield and this big handicap, which is likely to be well run, ought to suit him more than a three-horse sprint. Nakeeta has proven disappointing for this column, but it is worth remembering that it’s less than a year ago when he was finishing fifth in the Melbourne Cup. Before that he’d won the Ebor at York and he’s had excuses since. On his return in the Chester Cup he was drawn to the outside and afterwards he was a staying on fifth in the JLT Handicap – his Ebor seventh was a disappointing effort in that light but the quality of that race is so rarefied is that this has to be considered to be a lesser contest and he’s worth chancing once again.

The Japan Racing Association Sceptre Stakes (1.50) sees the ladies go first and whilst one can expect Laugh Aloud to shape a lot better for her return, Anna Nerium’s defeat of older horses at Goodwood is amongst the standout form and took her record over this trip to 3-4 here. Dan’s Dream will like the ground whilst Dancing Star was unlucky in the Oak Tree Stakes but Ellthea is of interest. She has been highly tried since taking the Park Stakes in Ireland but there was no shame in finishing seventh in the Pouliches or fifth in the Sandringham and the form of the latter has worked out quite well with second Crown Walk, winning the Group Three Prix Chloe since, and the third Efaadh winning the Group Three Prix de la Porte Maillot. She likes to cut but handles good ground and looks a rock solid each/way contender here.

The Flying Childers is a well contested race but the same applied to the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood and Rumbleinthejungle won that and won it well and his Norfolk fourth is shaping up well too. He looks a worthy favourite and has had just three starts, so hopefully would not have peaked just yet.

Legends Of War, a fine second in the Gimcrack, and a Indigo Balance, a gutsy winner of the Curragh Stakes over Gossamer Wings last time, could be chief threats although Solider’s Call ought to go well too.

The Doncaster Cup (3.35) looks far too trappy to contemplate and it is hard to take on Sangarius in the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Flying Scotsman Stakes (4.05), so it could be best to leave things there.

If you are a racing fan, this is the beginning of a wonderful period. The William Hill St Leger Festival at Doncaster starts today with Legends Day and progresses through the week, the Listowel Races are in full flow, and we are only two days away from Irish Champions Weekend, and three days from the Arc Trials.

It’s a feast of top class racing and even if today’s action might pale in comparison there’s still a competitive card worthy of attention.

The pattern race of the day is the Listed DC Training And Development Scarborough Stakes at (3.00), where Global Applause makes the most appeal although what is a terribly trappy race is passed over. The same is true of the Legends Stakes at 3.35, and one of four selections comes in the opening Conditions Stakes (1.50).

Khaadem was third behind Calyx and the dual winner Octave at Newmarket on his debut and has since won impressive at Newmarket, taking a novice stakes by three and a half lengths. That was an easier opportunity than this but he had plenty in hand when recording a good time and can get the better of what looks a useful field, with Converter likely to improve after winning on debut at odds of 16/1 in taking style.

Alfie Solomons, second in a valuable sales race at York last time, arguably sets the form standard but is much more exposed.

The Owlerton Greyhound Stadium Nursery (2.25) is a race in which anyone of seven has a realistic chance but Hesslewood could be worth supporting again. Not much has gone right since a taking win at York on debut but James Bethell won this in 2013 and if he was considered good enough to go for York’s valuable nursery off 89 then he can prove well handicapped off 86. 7 furlongs and ground with cut are both risks, but at 16/1 they could be worth taking,

The EBF Breeders’ Series Fillies’ Handicap (4.05) might be the most informative and competitive race of the day, but if Crystal Hope can return to her early season form then she has every chance of proving to be the best handicapped horse here. On her seasonal debut she was a Sandown Novice Stakes, and the second and third home from that race were first and fourth in the Musidora Stakes.

On face value, she was well beaten when fancied for the Haras De Bouquetot Fillies’ Trial Stakes in May, but the impressive winner that day was Sea Of Class, and second was Athena. Both are Group 1 winners now and Crystal Hope was not suited by the stop start gallop there either. Her recent run at Salisbury was disappointing, but a mark of 91 is surely within her reach and the step upto 12 furlongs could be a big help too.

In the William Hill Leading Racecourse Bookmaker Conditions Stakes (4.40) Afaak makes the most appeal on the basis that he handles easy ground, stays 10 furlongs, and has the best form with three big efforts in top handicaps at the summer’s big meetings.

The Sprint Cup (4.15, Haydock) kickstarts what is a wonderful time of year for flat racing fans with a glut of Group 1’s to come over the next two months. In what is a strong renewal at face value, it says a great deal about the brilliant Harry Angel that he is 5/4, and if at his best then it will take an awful lot to stop last year’s runaway winner.

However, that is no price for a horse who injured himself badly at Royal Ascot, and whilst updates have been positive it has to be likely that he improves a great deal for the return. That makes for a tempting betting race with three places and 10/1 bar the favourite, leading one to The Tin Man. One of the most consistent sprinters in the country, James Fanshawe’s six year old was third in this last year and has been at least as good this season.

His win in a classy Listed race at Windsor was followed by an unlucky fourth in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, and then he was first home from a low draw in a red hot renewal of the Maurice de Gheest. He was the only horse from a single figure draw to get involved – 13 beat 16, 3 (The Tin Man), 17, 11 and 19 whilst he was also the first home from the rear.

James Garfield was ahead of him then and is entitled to huge respect, but he has no form on soft ground whilst The Tin Man was third last year on a soft surface and he is a strong each/way bet at 10s with Paddy Power or 8s elsewhere.

For previews more tips on today’s racing and the Arc De Triomphe join us as a Free Member and read Will’s Wisdom. You’ll also receive our Saturday Steamer – tips including the winner of the Stewards Cup and Ebor, both advised at 20/1 plus 7/1 winner last week.

Here’s Will Kedjanyi’s in-depth race by race preview of Day 3 of the York Ebor Festival. JP

1.55 – Sky Bet Handicap (Class 2) (3YO plus): Always competitive but First National makes easily the most appeal here. Charlie Appleby’s four-year-old danced every dance at the top handicapping table before taking the Old Rowley Cup and he should improve plenty from his reappearance behind Kelly’s Dino at Ascot. Kelly’s Dino has a solid each/way chance along with the favourite Melting Dew.

Advice: 1 pt each/way First National (8/1 Paddy Power)

2.25 – Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Group 2) (British Champions Series): This ought to be a stroll for Stradivarius, who can take a £1,0000,000 for the stayers’ triple crown. There is a lively betting heat for the places, including the runner up spot, in which Desert Skyline would make most appeal if he was to come back to the form he’d shown when second to Stradivarius in the Yorkshire Cup earlier in the season. Red Verdon’s form at 1m4f would entitle him to be a player here and it’s no surprise he’s second favourite whilst Max Dynamite’s very best flat form would give him a shot.

Advice: No bet.

3.00 – Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2) (Colts & Geldings): Plenty of contenders here but the Coventry still looks to be the best juvenile contest of the season and Shine So Bright’s fifth there was backed up by a good third in the Richmond Stakes, when ahead of Cosmic Law on both occasions. That form is the best in the field so far and he can take the beating. The Irish Rover disappointed in the Coventry but was a good third to Advertise in the Phoenix Stakes and if he’s not suffered from the bug at Ballydoyle then he ought to be seriously involved.

Space Traveller is currently favourite off the back of two wins so impressive he could have won with any amount of weight, but no horses have won from his novice and he also won a comparatively weak maiden. There’s no huge amount of enthusiasm to get involved with him at the current prices, however.

Legends Of War was seriously impressive on debut at Yarmouth, but the form of that race has worked out poorly and he was well beaten in the July Stakes. He showed a good attitude to take a Newbury novice stakes, but he was all out to take victory then and he will need to improve for a bigger field and stronger gallop.

Chuck Willis got the better of Emaraaty Ana when both were beaten in the Rose Bowl Stakes. The latter named horse was very green then and looks as if she should surely improve for a more well-run race and cover, and it would be no surprise if that form was reversed.

Advice: 2 pts win Shine So Bright (4/1 general)

3.35 – Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (2yo+): Battash is arguably the fastest 5-furlong horse on the planet and only the Ascot hill – along with the presence of Lady Aurelia – saw Blue Point get the better of him in the King’s Stand. He made a Group 2 field look frankly average in the King George sprint at Goodwood since and, one year older, he should be calmer in the preliminaries, thus saving his energies for the race.

Blue Point ought to be right on his tail, albeit on a track that plays less to his strengths than that of Ascot. However, he does not lack pace and he towers over the field with Battash, with the promise of a big prize should the favourite go too fast or get too worked up.

The rest can be thrown in an absolute heap, with Mabs Cross the third favourite. She was behind Havana Grey and Caspian Prince in the Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh when only seven ran, but the time before she had picked up the pieces to finish third in the King’s Stand when relishing the pace burnup to nearly take second, and this ought to suit her a whole lot more.

Caspian Prince, Take Cover and Alpha Delphini ought to set up a string gallop for her to aim at and it’s not hard to imagine her finishing fast once again to grab a place. Michael Dods charge has kept improving all season and appears to be one of the most likely to run her race.

Havana Grey’s Sapphire Stakes win is excellent form on paper, although it was the only time in which he’s turned up in four starts this season and it’s entirely possible that he could be too close to the pace, as he and Heartache were at Goodwood.

Sioux Nation went off a short price for the Commonwealth Cup but hasn’t run well since winning the Lacken Stakes and probably wants a stiffer test of stamina. The same can probably be said of Declarationofpeace, fourth in the Sapphire, whilst Washington DC can run well. Muthmir is now eight but that’s no barrier to a big run at this level and he has picked up several big results this season from picking up the pieces. There will be lots of pace to aim at once again and he catches the eye at a big price.

4.15 – British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden Stakes (Plus 10 Race) (Class 2) (2yo): A surprisingly winnable race given the money on offer. Beat Le Bon made a big impression on debut, but the form is weak despite the fact there was six lengths back to the third and Sky Defender was beaten by a listed runner up on debut at Goodwood. That form’s the best in the race with the potential for improvement and he get the vote on that basis despite promising showings from Indomitable, Barys and Commanding Officer.

Advice: 1 pt win Sky Defender (7/2 general)

4.50 – Crack On Crack On continues to improve restlessly and has much the strongest form here courtesy of his wins in the Silver Bowl and also a strong handicap at Ascot last time when he beat Ulshaw Bridge. Going up 5lbs for that was fair and he sets a high standard for the more unexposed contenders to aim at. Corrosive was fourth that day and should be highly respected with new headgear and also appeals as an each/way choice but there could be value in the shape of Zap, a winner here all the way back on his debut who won the Silver Bunbury Cup, was then first on the wrong side in the International Handicap before getting no run and finishing off well at Goodwood. He’s dropped 1lb for that run, leaving him just 2lbs higher than for his Newmarket win, and looks big at 20/1.

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Thanks to Will Kedjanyi for this fabulous in-depth preview of Day 2 of the York Ebor Festival. JP

1.55 – Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2): Fairyland was a hugely creditable third in the Albany Stakes when racing alone on the far side, but the lamentable form of her stablemate makes her impossible to recommend at the time of writing. Angel’s Hideaway was not far behind her at Royal Ascot and has since finished runner up to the Prix Morny winner Pretty Pollyanna and before she won the Princess Margaret Stakes in impressive style herself at Ascot. She ought to take the beating.

Wide margin Novice Stakes winner Flawless Jewel will be waiting in the wings and Little Kim, a disappointment in the Super Sprint, will be on the premises if back to the winning form she showed in the Prix du Bois at Deauville two starts back.

Of the others, two-time winner Firelight makes most appeal.

Advice: 3 pts win Angel’s Hideaway (2/1 general)

2.25 – Goffs UK Premier Yearling Stakes (Class 2) (2YO only): Kodyanna’s only poor run has come in the Queen Anne and there’s no shame in that considering how we’ll the form has worked out. She has since won a nursery here off 83 and finished second in a Deauville Group 3 afterwards.

This race has been dominated by Richard Hannon (three winners in last 10 years) and William Haggas (three winners in a row from 2013-2015) so it’s no surprise that He’zanarab, Masaru and Fanaar are all well liked in the betting.

He’zanarab is the choice of Ryan Moore but Masaru looked a useful prospect when easily landing a minor event at Windsor, which has seen the four length second and third subsequently win their next time. There were two and a half lengths between the second and the third and Masaru had more in hand at the line than the four-length winning margin suggested. Secret Venture, Concierge, Red Balloons, Celebrity Dancer and Big Baby Bull are all contenders.

3.00 – Clipper Logistics Handicap (Class 2): Firmament got no run when it counted in the Betfred Mile at Goodwood, but he finished like a well handicapped horse and at this much more conventional track he should hopefully be able to get a fair crack, and if he can show his best then he’s got every chance of going much closer. He was far more disadvantaged than Poet’s Society (second), Original Choice (third), Mythical Madness (fifth) and Hors De Combat (sixth).

Senority won the Betfred Mile for The Queen and can go well again up just 6lbs, whilst Afaak, second in the Hunt Cup, is worthy of his place towards the head of the market.

Kyrnen has had just one poor effort since the start of the season, and he can be forgiven that in the Hunt Cup. It is a strong sign that he was able to bounce back and finish third in the John Smith’s Cup here over 10 furlongs, form what has been boosted out of the park by Thundering Blue since winning the SkyBet York Stakes and then finishing third in the Juddmonte whilst Borocco has finished second in two group races. This drop in trip might help and he should go very well if in the same form.

3.35 – Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Fillies’ and Mares’ Group 1): Another top-class renewal where Sea Of Class is taken to continue her meteoric rise. Her wicked turn of foot to take the Irish Oaks, having wisely missed Epsom on account of the ground, was one of the most impressive things seen this summer and now she ought to get a fearsome pace to aim at thanks to the presence of Bye Bye Baby and Flattering, one which only enhances her chances of coming late and passing the field.

Laurens will prove to be an incredibly tough rival for her to handle, however. The Fillies Mile winner has since won the Prix-Saint Alary, beating the subsequent Group 1 winner With You, and then grabbed victory in the Prix Diane when finding most of about six horses in with a chance two furlongs out. She appears slightly big in comparison to the favourite and a price on her to finish in the first two or three would be of interest, based on the price.

They will need to be on their mettle to beat Coronet, who was just beaten in the Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud and then a creditable, if albeit well beaten third in the King George. John Gosden’s charge looks to have a strong each/way shout here.

Magic Wand got stuck in the mud at Epsom when fancied for the Oaks and then was deeply impressive in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot. Off the back of that, she was sent off favourite for a fast ground Irish Oaks but she scoped badly after a limp performance and it appears that she was suffering from the bug that has ruined the stable’s summer to a great extent.

Dermot Weld’s Eziyra was third to last year’s winner Enable before winning twice since at Cork and Leopardstown in strong races for the Grade (Group 3) and her return, a good beating of the solid yardstick Stellar Mass, suggests she can run well here.

Horseplay was second to Coronet earlier in the year here and improved to take the Lancashire Oaks, although a couple of defeats for the runner up God Given since tells us that it’s not Group 1 form and she might struggle here.

Advice: 2 pts Laurens Top 2 finish (6/5 Betfair)

4.15 – British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (Listed Race) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+): Sun Maiden was heavily in season when a dismal fourth in the Gordon Stakes’ but before she’d made a very sound debut in group company when third in the Ribblesdale and if she’s back to that form she could take a great deal of beating.

This will be a hotly anticipated race for the return of the blueblood Lah Ti Dar, who made such a deep impression when winning her maiden and then the Pretty Polly. She looked as if the sky would be the limit then, but she was then forced to miss the Oaks and then the Ribblesdale thanks to two setbacks and she is likely to improve for this a great deal too.

Alwaysandforever was a good second in the Chalice Stakes and should be on the premises, whilst What A Home should enjoy this return to faster ground after finishing third at Chantilly last time. Watch out for the progressive Snow Wind, a taking Chester winner last time for William Haggas.

Advice: 1 pt win Sun Maiden (9/2 general)

4.50 – British Stallion Studs EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-105): Desperately tough to sort out but Preening’s third in Listed company the last twice read well here and she can go well here off a revised handicap mark, She looked like she had more to give when she was a game winner at Sandown in June and whilst 14lbs higher now, she has fully earned that rise. Move Swiftly and Victory Wave are worthy favourites.

Starlight Romance and Betty F have fair each/way chances whilst Homeopathic would be interesting if bouncing back to the form she’d showed when winning a Fillies’ Handicap at Chelmsford.

Advice: 1 pt each/way Preening (8/1 general)

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The third week of August. Football is back, England are playing test cricket, people are in the midst of their summer holidays, and the York Ebor Meeting is less than 24 hours away.

So of course, now is the right time to think about the best ante-posts for Cheltenham Festival 2019!

Many readers here will have been struggling to cope without their proper jump racing fix – outside of the Galway Festival – especially during a flat season beset with injury, but let’s looks ahead to March as there can be big benefits to playing so early.

With targets somewhat undecided, fences and hurdles not jumped, and attention away from the prime performances of last season, there can be many decent prices to be had and several very strong positions to be made, so let’s look at the best bets for next season.

1 pt each/way Kalashnikov, Arkle (14/1 Betfair, Paddy Power), 1 pt each/way Kalashnikov, JLT (25/1 Coral)One of the most progressive improvers of last season, Amy Murphy’s star turn went from 139 to 154 in a whirlwind campaign that saw him finish second only to the Supreme winner Summerville Boy in the Tolworth before taking apart a strong Betfair Hurdle and then finishing a fine runner up in the Supreme Novices at the Festival itself. That he has already beaten elders bodes very well for his first season chasing and it’s already the plan as confirmed by Amy Murphy: “He is a chaser in the making and he will have a school over fences towards the end of the week before we wind him down and turn him out.

“He will definitely be a better chaser, without a shadow of a doubt. When you look at him, he is a big frame of a horse and he has still got plenty of filling out to do.

“We will start him of over two miles. Whether that is where we stick, I don’t know as I thought he wanted further this season. He will tell us where to go.”

Courtesy of his impressive Doncaster win, we know he’ll go on better ground should we have a drier Spring than last year, and should he take to fences like his shape suggests he should, then he should take very high rank again with Summervile Boy staying over hurdles.

He is also worth backing for the JLT at 25/1, in case connections want to run him over further.

1 pt each/way Summerville Boy, Champion Hurdle (16/1 Hills, Betfred, Boylesports, Totesport)The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle reads like a good race in hindsight and the more one watches the race the more impressive it is he managed to be seriously involved after the shuddering mistake he made at the second last which put him back on his heels. He went from a strong travelling second to sixth in a stride but managed to recover himself to edge a tight battle with Kalashikov and grind out the win.

He is value for more than that winning margin and the form reads even better when one looks at the timing, given that he ran marginally faster than Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air. There was a stronger pace in the Supreme early, but the closing sections are still taking in their own right. He’s a stout stayer who does like to get his toe in, but that has never been an issue in a Champion Hurdler and the step up does not seem beyond any of the previous year’s novices.

Buveur D’Air is obviously a fine horse, but Melon’s Supreme had not worked out and there was a neck between them at the line last season with the division crying out for new talent.

1 pt each/way Santini, RSA Chase (12/1 general)There are some different targets for many of the horses in the possibles, but it would be a surprise to see Santini go for anything but the RSA and Nicky Henderson’s giant looks to be one of the ready made contenders. A very taking winner on his Newbury debut, he was given a 50-day break and then pitched into Graded company on Trials Day, a move that proved inspired as he found his second win up the hill to beat Black Op.

He was third when sent off as favourite for Albert Bartlett, a particularly brutal renewal this year, and that run would have played an important part in his progression. Burnout would have been a worry after such a hard race, but the gutsy attitude he showed when winning the Sefton Novices’ Hurdle suggested he’d taken that effort in his stride and after a break he should be able to improve once again after just four runs.

The form of his Grade 2 win is rock solid, given that Black Op was second to Samcro in the Ballymore and then won the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, and 3 miles and more over fences already looks tailor made for a trainer who has used this route in the past.

1 pt each/way Monalee, Ryanair (16/1 Betfair, Paddy Power)

This comes with a health warning. Henry De Bromhead’s Monalee has fallen in two of his chases, won two of them, and on the other occasion he was a seven length second to Presenting Percy in the RSA Chase. That was a strong performance given that the winner is the favourite for the Gold Cup, and it’s worth remembering that Monalee was seven lengths ahead of the previous Graded winner Elegant Escape. On a line through fourth Ballyoptic (beaten a nose in the Scottish Grand National) the RSA was well upto standard and Monalee’s win in the Flogas Novice Chase has also worked out very well.

He was going very well until falling in the Nevile Hotels Novice Chase last Christmas and he was still pitching in with every chance until taking a tumble at the Punchestown Festival, so the raw ability is clearly there if he can stay up.

The worry is whether the Ryanair is the target, but with Presenting Percy headed towards the Gold Cup the idea of a more winnable race could tempt connections and the JLT was mooted last yea by De Bromhead.

“The RSA is a possible but the JLT might be an option as well, we’ll have to see how he comes out of this now but he’s got the pace for the JLT, too, I think.”

The John Durkan could be a starting position for him and he could also drop back later in the season, in which case he could be shorter than 16/1 with a number of quoted horses unlikely to go for the Ryanair.

1 pt each/way The Dutchman, Grand National, (50/1 general)After four recommended for the Cheltenham Festival 2019, let’s have one bash at the National! Yes. The Grand National. In August.

It’s one of three non-festival races that are offered and with 20/1 and above the field, you can always get a decent price. Horses that didn’t complete the year before will not jump out as contenders for next year’s race but The Dutchman was going so sweetly when he came down at Foinavon that 50/1 is worth taking even in the summer.

He had looked an ideal contender for a soft ground National when smashing the field by 13 lengths in the Tommy Whittle Chase after two warm up runs over hurdles, and he broke a blood vessel in the Grand National trial after that, but when returned back to health, he was travelling as sweetly as anything at Aintree before unseating at Foinavon of all fences second time round.

Harry Cobden confirmed as much, and this will surely be the target next year, with runs over hurdles likely to preserve his mark – a reasonable one still even at 148.

Cheltenham Festival 2019 ticket update

Champion Day – 12th March 2019
Ladies Day – 13th March 2019
St Patrick’s Thursday – 14th March 2019
Cheltenham Gold Cup Day – 15th March 2019Save up to £14 on tickets to The Festival™
Offer Expires 30th November 2018 at 10:59am

The current ticket prices for The Cheltenham Festival™ 2019 can be found below:

This has been the summer of many things. The summer of heat – and yes, the melting weather is set to continue this week – the summer of sport, and the summer of Sir Michael Stoute. The legendary handler has had a spectacular renaissance on the big stage and the market gives him a fantastic chance of landing the King George for the sixth time.

We look at the key runners below but whatever your fancy make your bets with novibet.co.uk.

Crystal Ocean is the current favourite, having won all three of his starts this season – typical of Sir Michael Stoute’s excellent record with older horses – although his career best performance was probably his St Leger second. Irish Derby winner Capri hasn’t been seen since but third Stradavarius has since won the Gold Cup, and Melbourne Cup winner Reklindling was behind with Lancashire Oaks winner Coronet further back still.

It will take a good one to stop him but it is Stoute again who might have a ready-made answer in the shape of Poet’s Word. He was already knocking at the door last year, finishing with a late rattle to take second in the Irish Champion Stakes, and then he was a good second in the Champion Stakes itself when Cracksman was miles clear in the deep ground here over 1m2f.

A visit to Hong Kong ended with a respectable sixth and this season he has continued to improve, with a good second in the Sheema Classic before a smooth win in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. He was not expected to upset Cracksman in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes but he was always travelling better before finding more on the fast surface that suited him more than the long odds on favourite and he eventually won comprehensively.

That form could be the best we’ve seen this season and we know he is fully adaptable and if anything might like this trip even more based on his previous form here and earns the vote of the two at the head of the market.

Aidan O’Brien’s main challenger looks to be Kew Gardens, who has progressed a lot again in the summer. He was superb in winning the Queen’s Vase and then gritty to win the Grand Prix De Paris, but the former was over 1m6f and the latter was a very poor Group 1. He must improve rapidly if he’s to be involved. De Ex Bee was third in the Grand Prix De Paris, that coming off a poor effort in the Irish Derby when the stop start pace was blamed amongst other things, but he looks exposed now. Nelson was used as a pacemaker then and has a future as a stayer, but perhaps not here.

Cliffs Of Moher was fourth in the Prince Of Wales’s and then ran a better race when third in the Hardwicke and the Coral-Eclipse. A really strongly run race is important to his chances, but he hasn’t found a way to win at the top level yet and others appear superior to him – it’s also possible his progress has plateaued.

More interesting from his quarter still entered is Hydrangea. She ran like a wilting flower when well supported for the Duke of Cambridge stakes, but had previously made a fair return from a long break in the Lanwades Stud Stakes and on Champions Day here, she had beaten Bateel by two lengths with Coronet further behind in a gutsy success in the Filles and Mares’ Stakes. If back to her best, she could outrun odds of 25/1 easily.

Waldgeist has found his best three-year-old form recently and just nosed out Coronet in the Grand Prix De Saint-Cloud last time. Both have to be considered each/way contenders and it’s possible that Coronet has improved since the St Leger over a more suitable trip, although they have improvement to make still. Salouen so nearly caught out Cracksman in the Coronation Cup under a great ride from Silvestre de Sousa, and he backed that up with a decent third in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. He should run well although this is a step up once again.

Rostropovich loves fast ground and has run really well in the King Edward and Irish Derby to finish second both times. However, is that as good as he is? He’ll need to find more.

Cracksman will miss the race – there is no let-up forecast in the weather – but there has been an overreaction to his close-run win in the Coronation Cup and his second in the Prince Of Wales’s and he still makes a great deal of appeal for the Arc, amongst other targets.

Desert Encounter is a solid and admirable horse who found 10 furlongs too short at Newbury last time, but he’s already well held by Poet’s Word and it will be hard for him to strike a blow.

The nation will be glued to televisions at 3 o’clock on Saturday for England’s Quarter-Final with Sweden, but before that sporting fans have a treat of a race to look forward to in the shape of the Coral-Eclipse.

The 10-furlong Group 1 stands out but it also heads a card with something for everyone in racing terms, and we do have a feature that is worthy of pulling your eyes away from the World Cup pre-match analysis.

You’ll be watching the football on the TV anyway so why not go along to Sandown – buy tickets here – to watch the Coral-Eclipse live and take in the England v Sweden on the big screens?

This has often been a clash of generations, but three-year olds dominate the betting this year, with Saxon Warrior the big story of the race. The 2,000 Guineas winner was seen as a disappointment in the Derby, when sent off 4/7 favourite and beaten into fourth after being blocked in the straight for a run and appearing not to handle Epsom or the 12 furlongs.

He was tried in the Irish Derby and started as the favourite, but he did not have the turn of foot he showed at Newmarket and that is likely to be his last run at the distance. It was presumed he would have a summer break since – and head for the Juddmonte International at York – but after impressing at Ballydoyle a chance is been taken to run him here.

Few should doubt Aidan O’Brien’s genius, but this is a bold and unique ask. Aidan O’Brien has had 15 previous Guineas winners and never asked any of them to race twice in 8 days (thanks to the Guardian’s Chris Cook for this stat). Although Minding took the Oaks after being beaten in the Irish 1,000 Guineas.

There is precedent for such a win, however. Professional Punter Mike Spence has found out that since 2004, 10 winners from 213 runners in Group 1’s have won within less than 10 days, and this would show a profit to level stakes. The last three horses to win Group 1’s within 10 days of their last run were Lancaster Bomber (this season’s Tattersalls Gold Cup), Legatissimo & Together Forever with two of the three being Aidan O’Brien trained.

Should we see the real Saxon Warrior, he would be a bet at 7/2, but it could be that his age group have caught up to him and Masar could well achieve the Eclipse – Derby double. Charlie Appleby’s colt was devastatingly impressive when smashing the Craven field by 10 lengths and then ran an excellent race to finish third in the Guineas.

Masar’s Derby win came in what was an epic contest, and he was a deserving winner, having travelled powerfully into the race but crucially stayed on best. Roaring Lion was a length and a half back in third but can expect to get closer dropped down to his ideal trip, over which he was so impressive in the Dante, although Masar doesn’t lack for the speed needed.

Happily got the better of Masar when taking the Prix Jean-Luc Lagadere at Chantilly last season but she hasn’t won since, finishing a fairly beaten third in both Guineas before then finishing a close up fourth in the Prix Diane last time. That form appears strong on paper and it could be that stepping up in trip is the way to get improvement out of her now. On the juvenile form of last year she could be overpriced to threaten the front pair.

If that is true for her, it’s definitely true for Cliffs Of Moher, beaten fair and square into fourth in the Prince of Wales’ Stakes at Royal Ascot, before then finishing third in the Hardwicke Stakes. But he is not the horse connections has hoped he’d be when he was second in the Derby last year on this season’s evidence.

Hawkbill won this in 2016 and was deeply impressive when beating Poet’s Word (winner of the Prince Of Wales’s at Royal Ascot this year) in style when taking the Sheema Classic. He was a disappointment in the Coronation Cup and well beaten at Royal Ascot, so is hard to weigh up.

An interesting older contender is Forest Ranger, who ran a succession of good races as a three-year-old. He has improved as a four-year-old, however, taking the Earl Of Sefton Stakes in good style from Deauville and then beating War Decree at Chester in the Huxley. That is a level of form which doesn’t have him too far off the best here and it would not be a surprise to see him take a real hand.

Raymond Tusk had a hard task to give 5lbs to Loxley at Newbury last time out but is likely to struggle against better opposition here.

UPDATE ON 7 JULY:

Originally the tip was Masar but in the light of him being withdrawn overnight Will’s tip is:

It’s Saturday and the final day of Royal Ascot 2018 and Will has a preview plus tips. Great tipping this week including 16/1 winner on Wednesday plus 16/1 and 6/1 and 5/1 winners on Thursday and 7/1 winner yesterday.

2.30 – Chesham Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo): At face value it will take an awful lot to get Natalie’s Joy, who pasted a great time when winning very impressively on her Goodwood debut, beaten here. Her time was the fastest juvenile performance on the clock since Bachir set the course record the Richmond Stakes, and it broke into the top 20 of time performances over the last decade on the clock. The form is not worth much but so impressive was she she’s still the one to beat.

However, she makes the market with two other places if she wins and it’s worth searching for something else to hit the frame. Beyond Reason ought to go close following a taking win at Kempton on her second start but she was beaten fair and square by New Winds, whose only defeat in three starts has come on a soft surface at Doncaster. She proved that wasn’t her running when carrying a sizeable penalty to victory at Haydock when back on good to firm ground and she looks overpriced to take a big hand in the finish here with 7 furlongs perhaps the only unknown.

Cardini has to be respected for the connections he represents but nothing he has done suggests he will be good enough today and he is swerved. San Donato ran into Legends Of War (7/2 for the Coventry but now goes to the July Stakes) last time, a strong debut effort given the regard in which the winner was held, and it’s an encouraging sign that he went off 7/4 for a novice stakes. He was three and a half lengths clear of the next best home and ought to improve plenty for Ascot’s stiff seven here.

Arthur Kitty was a taking winner of a Haydock maiden, but the form has been let down too many times for comfort since.

Matthieu Palussiere made his name at this meeting last season when taking the Albany with Different League and has had 20 juvenile winners this season along with a decent run from Forever In Dreams in the Queen Mary. On A Session impressed with his turn of foot at Lyon Parilly when backed like a good thing on debut and he showed an impressive attitude in the latter stages of the Prix De Puycharic at Angers. Those are the same two races that Different League won before taking the Albany and his presence here, along with the booking of Wayne Lordan, is a big sign and he is well worth watching.

Nate The Great was an impressive winner of his Novice Auction Stakes at Carlisle whilst Assie View’s Doncaster victory sowed him as a horse who will get every yard of what is a testing trip at this stage of the juvenile season.

3.05 –Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2) (Class 1) (4yo+): Sir Michael Stoute has had a deservedly great week and there’s little reason to oppose his Crystal Ocean. Second only to Capri in the Leger last year, his two wins this season in the Gordon Richards and Aston Park Stakes suggests he’s ready to get even better and he towers over the field. Barsanti, second in this last year, scored a nice listed win on his return but that form has been let down since and he needs more still.

Idaho won this last year and has been very busy since. His chance relies on whether he has recovered from his fourth in the Coronation Cup when the ground went well against him, but even at his best he faces a task to overturn Crystal Ocean. Cliffs Of Moher hasn’t progressed as hoped and this is a quick return after the Prince Of Wales’ on Wednesday. Red Verdon, a versatile five year old, looks overmatched.

Advice: No bet.

3.40 – 5f Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) (2yo): Really competitive fare as expected to spice up the Saturday card. Wesley Ward had his 10th winner at the meeting when Shang Shang Shang took the Norfolk and it’s no surprise he has the favourite in the Windsor Castle, a race that started his love affair with the meeting. Ward has won this race twice before and Moonlight Romance followed home Thursday’s Norfolk Stakes winner at Keeneland in April before winning by over five lengths at Belmont Park last month so ought to be tough to catch.

It’s not impossible to catch a Ward horse though, and if one horse in this field is capable it could pay to look at the obvious in Queen Of Bermuda. William Haggas’ daughter of Exceed and Excel was beaten only by Shades Of Blue here in an extremely strong maiden and that impression was backed up when Shades Of Blue and Come On Leicester were third and fifth respectively in the Queen Mary on Wednesday.

Her wins at Thirsk and Windsor were both impressive displays and if she runs to form she must have a strong chance.

Aidan O’Brien has had three winners despite a mixed week – what many trainers would give for his results – but his juveniles have run very well, and Van Beethoven is worth giving a chance to. He was considered good enough to head to Newmarket as early as April for the Novice stakes at the Craven meeting and he impressed despite is greenness at the start. He made amends for that in good style at Naas next time out and was a hot favourite to beat Fairyland in the Marble Hill. He lost no face in finishing second given that Fairyland was third in the Albany today whilst Land Force, behind him there, was a close third in the Norfolk. This trip is a potential question mark but as a sharper horse now the start hopefully won’t be a problem and he will have bags of pace to run into here.

Mutawaffer’s Goodwood form has been franked after a promising debut here and he rates a big threat, as does Dom Carlos, who made all in fine style at the Curragh just 15 days ago. He’s open to much further progress now he’s got the hang of things. There are lots of other contenders but Mathieu Plaussiere’s juveniles this season have been deeply impressive in France and both Junius Brutus and Rolling King need serious respect.

Rolling King ought to be suited by dropping back to five furlongs on quick ground, having been outstayed at Chantilly over 6 furlongs on soft ground, and he was an impressive winner on debut from two other stablemates. Junius Brutus, purchased by King Power Racing for £300,000 at Goffs on Monday, has won his first two runs easily and beat La Feve easier than stablemate Rolling King managed to do.

Kessaar might well have won on her debut at York had he not been hampered and it’s significant that John Gosden sees fit to run him here with Frankie Dettori on board. He is one of many eyecatchers along with Chapelli and Solider’s Call.

4.20 – 6f Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1) (4yo+): Another fantastic race and a great way to end the week. It has been a long time since an Australian win in this race, but Redkirk Warrior has proven himself a sprinter out of the top drawer in Australia and can strike a blow for those down under. He has been transformed by the Hayes into a top-class sprinter and took his place at he Australian top table with a pair of Group 1 wins earlier in the year. The first came in the Lighting Stakes, when he came from last to first to nail the brilliant Redzel – the country’s then top sprinter and a winner of the richest sprint in the world, The Everest – on the line, and he then stretched out an extra furlong to take the Newmarket Handicap, having made all on the standside. He carried top weight that day, so produced an arguable career best to hold off a top-class field. He gave 13lbs to Merchant Navy that day, form which puts him right in the mix even through a domestic viewpoint. The worry for him is this stiff finish but otherwise all looks set fair.

Merchant Navy, winner of five of his eight races in Australia for Aaron Purcell, took the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington despite an awful passage and was coming with a wet sail in the Newmarket handicap to do the same. He is 13lbs worse off with Redkirk Warrior, but his move to Ballydoyle is highly likely to bring out improvement and his win in the Greenlands Stakes when giving a penalty to the extremely solid yardsticks of Spirit Of Valor and Brando.

Harry Angel, a brilliant winner of the July and Sprint Cups, is 0-4 here but there has been no shame in those defeats and his best effort on this track came at this meeting he pushed Caravaggio to the very limit last year. He was set alight by Intelelgnece Cross on the front end that day that day and will need to be calmer here but sets a high standard and won the Duke Of York doing a hack canter to show his wellbeing. The key for him will be the pace on the front end.

The Tin Man won this last year and was a good third in the Sprint Cup but this will take a lot more winning here although his latest win against D’Bai was a promising reappearance. Librisa Breeze beat a number of these contenders when taking the Champions Day sprint and was badly hampered when fourth in this last year. He goes on all ground but the softer the better for him and a pace burnup would be ideal.

Bound For Nowhere came into this last year with just two runs to his name but he ran a huge race to be fourth at the line after being cut up in his run and he has since won twice, taking the Shakertown Stakes in fine style as a warmup. He appeals as the biggest threat to the front three in the market here.

City Light has massively improved from three to four and is unbeaten this year, winning over six furlongs at Chantilly and Lingfield before taking the Saint-Georges at Longchamp, and a return to six might help him.

Projection was a good third to the Tin Man but will struggle to reverse that form today and Sir Dancelot has a tough task based on his York form with Harry Angel.

Advice: 1 pt win Redkirk Warrior (4/1 general)

5.00 – Wokingham Stakes (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) (3yo+ 0-110) :The bookmakers will be in fear of Dreamfield, the four-year-old who has won his three starts in two years, looking like a star in two of those successes. Injury robbed him of a chance to tackle group sprinters but when he romped home in a handicap on his return he left a very positive impression and the second Silent Echo (who also runs here) has since won twice and done so in good style.

However, he is 4/1, and not an attractive betting promotion with just two races to go and there’s lots of each/way potential. Tupi has had a low-key campaign in Dubai this season but he ran with a good deal of credit when fourth in two valuable 6 furlong handicaps in February and can be forgiven a disappointing effort when upped in trip to seven furlongs there. He was rated 109 after finishing third in the Prix Maurice De Gheest last August an is now rated 100, a full 9lbs lower, with his liking for 6 furlongs over this course already established after a sixth in the 2017 Diamond Jubilee. He’s also won well off a break before; the last time he returned from Dubai was when he won the Cammidge Trophy by four lengths at Doncaster.

Al Qahwa has proven to be very difficult to catch right but this season he’s put two efforts together and he’s arguably been unlucky not to win both of those, being checked in his run at Ripon and then finding his route blocked two furlongs out at Epsom in a competitive handicap that closed out Derby day. He was beginning to his full stride when having to move down to the rail two furlongs out and then was set for third and maybe more when stopped in the final furlong. This much more conventional course will help a great deal and 98 looks fair on that basis.

Victory Angel didn’t kick off from a very impressive win last April, but he began this campaign with a super eye-catching effort at Newmarket once again when thriving for the rising ground and taking fourth on the line. He ought to strip much fitter from that and this is his more realistic Ascot assessment for a good while.

5.35 – 2m5½f (2m5f143y) Queen Alexandra Stakes (Conditions Race) (Class 2) (4yo+): At the mercy of Thomas Hobson with no Oriental Fox but he is just 6/4 so look elsewhere for the places.

Fun Mac’s second in the Chester Cup on his reappearance looks much better after Magic Circle bolted up in the Henry II Stakes and fourth Dubawi Fifty was second in the Ascot Stakes this week. A previous second in the 2015 Ascot Stakes, he could improve from that reappearance and if staying the extra trip, will take all the beating on form.

Count Octave will have a big form chance if his stamina lasts but he’s stepping up a mile in trip and is just 6/1 and Pallasator makes more appeal as a very strong stayer, although whether he’ll be so good on fast ground, or consent to putting in a full effort, remains to be seen.

Nearly Caught isn’t as good as he used to be but he has form at 2m4f, was first past the post in the Oleander-Rennen at Hoppergarten after a good fourth in the Further Flight, and has an each/way chance.

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